LED Protection Circuit Voltage Division for IC Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional controlling ICs for multi-channel LEDs cannot be directly integrated into system on chip manufactured using advanced processes like 40 nm or 28 nm due to voltage limitations, as sudden voltage increases during LED dimming or malfunctions exceed the chip's withstand range.

Innovation Solution

A protection circuit comprising a voltage division circuit and a voltage reduction circuit is used to reduce the input voltage into the controlling IC, activated during voltage variations such as dimming off or malfunctions, ensuring the IC operates within safe voltage limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the controlling IC is integrated into advanced system on chip process (40nm/28nm), then the integration degree and miniaturization are improved, but the voltage withstand capability of the pins deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip sizeVSAvoidvoltage withstand capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A protection circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the LED assembly and the controlling IC. This protection circuit includes a voltage division circuit and a voltage reduction circuit that actively mediates voltage fluctuations, preventing direct transmission of harmful voltage spikes to the IC pins while maintaining normal operation during steady-state conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protection circuit performs preliminary voltage reduction and division before the voltage reaches the controlling IC. By pre-processing the voltage signal through the voltage division circuit and voltage reduction circuit, the system prepares the voltage in advance to be within safe limits for the advanced process IC, preventing damage before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the voltage transmitted to the controlling IC rises instantaneously during dimming or malfunction, then the LED control function is maintained, but the voltage exceeds the withstand range of the advanced process IC

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLED control functionVSAvoidvoltage spike damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protection circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the voltage conditions and adjust the protection level accordingly. When voltage spikes are detected during dimming or malfunction, the feedback loop activates the voltage reduction circuit to clamp the voltage within safe limits, while allowing normal control functions to operate during steady-state conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage division circuit and voltage reduction circuit serve as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs and dissipates voltage spikes before they can damage the controlling IC. This beforehand cushioning allows the system to withstand instantaneous voltage rises during dimming or malfunction without transferring harmful energy to the IC pins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The protection circuit effectively reduces voltage inputs to prevent damage to the controlling IC pins, enabling its integration into advanced system on chip processes by maintaining safe voltage levels during normal and abnormal conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The voltage division circuit is coupled to a terminal of an LED assembly and configured to generate a division voltage according to a terminal voltage of the terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage division: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

The voltage reduction circuit is coupled to the voltage division circuit and configured to reduce the division voltage of the voltage division circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage reduction: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS9345101B2Protection circuit for use in controlling integrated circuit of light emitting diode
Publication Date: 2016.05.17 REALTEK SEMICON CORP
  • US9345101B2 patent drawing
  • US9345101B2 patent drawing
  • US9345101B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A protection circuit for use in a controlling integrated circuit of a light emitting diode is provided. The protection circuit includes a voltage division circuit and a voltage reduction circuit. The voltage division circuit is coupled to a terminal of a light emitting diode assembly and configured to generate a division voltage according to a terminal voltage of the terminal. The voltage reduction circuit is coupled to the voltage division circuit and configured to reduce the division voltage of the voltage division circuit.